November 9, 2021

Dylan Holly is in his second year of his masters’ studies in classical double bass performance and is part of the MSM Symphony Orchestra and Women’s Chorus concert on November 11 at 7:30 PM EST that is open to the public.

Please note if attending the concert in person: Presentation of proof of vaccination and i.d. is required. Masks must be worn at all times inside the MSM building.

Dylan talks about his experience playing in the MSM Symphony Orchestra, why he chose MSM, and his journey so far. 

Tell us a little about yourself

Dylan: I was born in Tucson, Arizona. My bass journey began in high school when I started playing at the Tucson Jazz Institute. Shortly after, I began my Bachelor’s degree in classical bass performance at Northern Arizona University. I’m currently a master’s student studying Classical Double Bass Performance at MSM and will graduate in Spring 2022.  Outside of my bass playing, people most associate me with folk music. I play guitar and harmonica, sing, and am a songwriter during much of my spare time.

In what I do that’s not related to music, I’ve loved running for a long time. I started cross-country racing in high school and I’ve done it ever since. I run barefoot as much as I can. I really enjoy the outdoors and go hiking as often as possible as well as on extended backpacking trips each year with friends. People also associate me with my “unique” footwear.

Tell us about MSM Symphony Orchestra and what it’s like being a part of this concert?

Dylan: The thing I appreciate the most about the MSM Symphony Orchestra is that we get to play a large amount of repertoire and have concerts very frequently. Not once this semester have I felt a lacking in performance opportunities! This is a great program and it is tremendously enjoyable to play such powerful music with some of the most accomplished peers my age.

What projects are you working on now?

Dylan: I have my master’s recital coming up in December, and a host of professional orchestra auditions filling up my schedule next semester. In addition I’ve been playing jazz since starting my musical studies and I’m am fortunate to get to play with friends in the city frequently. I’m also planning to record an album of my own songs in the coming months!

Why did you choose MSM? Which factors were most important to you in the decision process?

Dylan: I chose MSM first and foremost because I was placed with the teacher I wanted to study with. New York City is one of the best places I could imagine to explore the depths of music and creativity. A strong community of peers and faculty members to learn from put MSM at the top of my school options.

What are your hopes and dreas for the future?

Dylan: I want to make my way through this world relating to and learning from as many walks of life as I can. A career performing music is the first step to that whether it be classical, jazz, or folk music. People are the world, and my hopes and dreams of the future are nothing more than to find communities to belong to.

MSM Symphony Orchestra and Women’s Chorus

George Manahan (BM ’73, MM ’76), Conductor
Kent Tritle, Chorus Master

NOV 11 | THURS
7:30 PM EST

Neidorff-Karpati Hall

(Please note if attending the concert in person: Presentation of proof of vaccination and i.d. is required. Masks must be worn at all times inside the MSM building.

Manhattan School of Music
130 Claremont Avenue
New York, New York 10027